Top 7 Ways To Fix Instagram Lag On IPhone And Android

Quick Tips

• A simple reboot can resolve many performance issues.
• Remove temporary files by clearing the app cache.
• Ensure your phone has enough free storage space.
• Uninstall and reinstall the app to fix any corrupted files.

Preliminary Fixes

• Use Fast Internet Speeds: A slow or unstable internet connection is one of the primary causes of lag on Instagram. Ensuring a fast and reliable internet connection can significantly reduce lag.
• Force Stop Instagram (Android): Force-stopping Instagram can help clear any temporary issues causing the app to lag. To do so, long press the Instagram app icon > tap i to open App Info > Force Stop and then relaunch from the app drawer.
• Free Up RAM: Freeing up RAM on your device can help improve overall performance and reduce app lag. Open the recent apps menu and close all unnecessary apps running in the background.
• Update Instagram: Keeping Instagram updated ensures you have the latest features and bug fixes, which can help reduce lag.
• Try Instagram Lite: Instagram offers a dedicated app for low-end Android smartphones dubbed Instagram Lite. It uses less space and mobile data and delivers a smooth app experience.

Fix 1: Disable Data Saver Mode on Instagram

Instagram has a data saver mode which, when enabled, the app won’t load videos in advance. The aim is to use less data to load the feed. The practice may result in Instagram lag on Android and iPhone.

Step 1: Open Instagram on iPhone or Android.

Step 2: Go to your profile, tap on the hamburger menu at the top, and open Settings and privacy.

Step 3: Scroll to Data usage and media quality. Disable the Data Saver toggle.

Fix 2: Disable Data Saver Mode on Phone

An active data saver mode on your phone can also impact Instagram’s performance on mobile data.

On Android

Step 1: Open Settings and go to Network and internet.

Step 2: Select Data Saver and toggle it off.

On iPhone

Step 1: Launch Settings and select Mobile Services. Select your main SIM card.

Step 2: Disable the Low Data Mode toggle.

Fix 3: Clear Instagram Cache

Step 1: Long-press on the Instagram icon and open the app info menu.

Step 2: Go to the Storage and cache menu.

Step 3: Select Clear cache from the following menu.

You can read our post to learn the implications of clearing the Instagram cache.

Fix 4: Disable High-Quality Uploads on Instagram

Instagram allows users to upload higher-quality videos on mobile or Wi-Fi. Additional processing time may be required due to larger file sizes. You may notice a lag in the app when using Instagram during a high-quality media upload.

Step 1: Go to your Instagram profile on your iPhone or Android.

Step 2: Select the hamburger menu and go to Settings and privacy.

Step 3: Open Data usage and media quality and disable the Upload at highest quality toggle.

Fix 5: Reinstall Instagram

On Android

Step 1: Long-tap on the Instagram app icon and tap i to open the info menu.

Step 2: Select Uninstall and confirm your decision.

On iPhone

Step 1: Long-tap on the Instagram app icon and select Remove App.

Step 2: Tap Delete App.

Now, head to the App Store or Google Play Store and install Instagram. Sign in with your account details and use the app without any issues.

FAQs About Instagram Loading Slow

1. Why does Instagram make my video laggy?

Instagram doesn’t integrate well with all Android phone’s cameras. Check our guide to learn why the Instagram camera quality is bad on Android.

2. Why does Instagram DM lag?

When you use Instagram on a slow internet connection, you may notice a lag when receiving or sending messages.

3. Why is Instagram not refreshing?

Instagram may not refresh due to a slow internet connection or server-side outage.

You can also use Instagram on a mobile web browser. However, it may not offer all the features as the native app, and the entire experience is far from ideal. Instead, use the tricks above and fix it.

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